Archives: News Items

Are Vaccinated Workers Exempt From COVID-19 Infection Control Measures?

OSHA is reviewing recent CDC guidance and will update their website accordingly. However, until those updates are completed, the agency is referring affected employers to the “CDC guidance for information on measures appropriate to protect fully vaccinated workers.” The highlights of the guidance published by the CDC follow.

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

  • You can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
  • You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • If you travel in the United States, you do not need to get tested before or after travel, or self-quarantine after travel.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
  • You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.

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New Report Shows MCAA Members Lead in Technology Innovation, Lag in IT Budgeting

A new report provides MCAA members with a mechanical industry specific look at how MCAA members are using construction technology. The report, developed by JBKnowledge, is based on the 2020 Construction Technology Report released in March.

The 2020 Construction Technology Report provides an in-depth analysis of how the industry approaches technology based on thousands of responses from those in all areas of the construction industry, including MCAA members.

The new 2020 Supplementary Report for MCAA Members narrows the focus to MCAA members, comparing MCAA member responses with the rest of the construction industry.

In many ways, MCAA members are leading the rest of the industry in technology innovations. This can be seen in the use of fabrication and mobile devices, and the integration of construction apps and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Technology implementation and coordination have given many MCAA members a chance to take a leading role in the coordination and design of projects.

One area of that mechanical and plumbing contractors could use more help on is information technology (IT) budgeting. Compared to the rest of the industry, MCAA members tend to bill IT expenditures directly to jobs less often. They also require a greater budgetary commitment for their crucial IT workflows to positively impact productivity.

Both reports can be downloaded by MCAA members for free:

MCAA Supplementary Report

2020 JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report

Questions about either report, or anything else related to the Construction Technology Initiative, can be directed to Sean McGuire.

Lexington Plumbing Locks In Savings, Energy Efficiency With Lochinvar Systems

To provide an energy-efficient system for a Kansas county jail, Lexington Plumbing employed Lochinvar’s exclusive SMART SYSTEM interface to simplify installation and operation of two new Lochinvar ARMOR water heaters. “We consistently recommend Lochinvar equipment because of their constant innovations and technologically advanced systems,” said Don Lawhon of Lexington Plumbing.

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Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Spotlight 21 Welcomes Mark Marini from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®

In the 21st episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Mark Marini, VP – Morris Group International for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Mark Marini is Morris Group International, Inc. (MGI) Group Vice President since June 2020. Don Morris CEO of (MGI) elevated Mark to his VP role, to blend the resources of the various MGI companies into a cohesive suite of plumbing and fire protection product solutions. Working closely with Jay R Smith Mfg. Inc. we strive to have best in class inventories closest to our customers as well as true manufacturing at our Montgomery, AL facility reducing lead times and controlling quality.  Mark joined Morris Group International, Inc. in 2018 as Director of Sales and Marketing for Chronomite Laboratories, Inc. Prior to joining Morris Group International Inc., Mark worked for Zurn Industries starting in 2000. While at Zurn he worked in various sales roles to include; National Sales Manager for Specification Drains, Director of Contractor Sales, and prior to his departure in 2018 he was Director of Sales. Mark has been active in MCAA since 2008 and enjoys adding value for Contractor partners. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Penn State University.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video and its materials. Damaged and defective materials handling equipment can be hazardous. Protect your workers by ensuring they receive proper training with these resources.

The video includes:

  • Tips for pre-use inspections
  • Specific recommendations for inspecting jacks, forklifts and other types of lifts, hoists, cranes, and rigging equipment

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video | Video – Spanish | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

You Might Also Like These Resources

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Guess What? We’re Back! The 2021 GreatFutures Forum Will Be In-Person & In Scottsdale, Arizona!

We heard you. We know you’re eager to get together with other students and with contractors from around the country. And, honestly, we can’t wait to see you, too!

So, we thought, let’s not wait. Let’s all come together. And what better place than in conjunction with the highly anticipated, in-person MSCA21 Conference this October. Students and contractors can meet, inspire, hire, share ideas, and generally have a great time. 

Here’s where we’ll meet:

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
October 17-19, 2021

Here’s what you’ll get to do:

  • Meet with contractors at general sessions, receptions, and pretty much everywhere you go.
  • Get to know the industry and its people, and start forging relationships.
  • Let the industry know you and your talents at the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair.
  • Gain further insight and direction regarding this year’s Student Chapter Competition. (Don’t worry, the project will be announced virtually in September!)

As schools reopen, the country reconnects, and the mechanical contracting industry reunites, you can get the jump on building your great future.

Registration will open next month, so keep an eye out for more information. For now, though, start looking ahead…It’ll be great to be together, at last! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.

Mask Mandates Are Falling – What Are Employers To Do?

On May 13, 2021 the CDC unexpectedly recommended that, with limited exceptions, fully vaccinated individuals can resume all indoor and outdoor activities without wearing masks or social distancing, except where required by law or workplace guidance. In response to the confusion created by differing State and Federal guidelines, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. has prepared an overview for employers so they can create policies for addressing the vaccination status of their employees.

Department of Labor Issues Cybersecurity Best Practices for ERISA-Covered Plans

ERISA-covered plans often hold millions of dollars or more in assets and maintain personal data on participants, which can make them tempting targets for cyber-criminals. Responsible plan fiduciaries have an obligation to ensure proper mitigation of cybersecurity risks. The Employee Benefits Security Administration has prepared the following best practices for use by recordkeepers and other service providers responsible for plan-related IT systems and data, and for plan fiduciaries making prudent decisions on the service providers they should hire. 

Find the Latest from A.O. Smith and Milwaukee Valve Company, LLC in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

A.O. Smith
A. O. Smith’s Cyclone® XL commercial gas water heater operates at 1 million BTU/hour with a smaller footprint than two current Cyclone 500,000 BTU/hr units. A 750,000 BTU/hr Cyclone XL model is also available. The new models feature a unique dual stainless-steel heat exchange system, providing a two-step heat transfer process that delivers thermal efficiencies of 97%. Intelligent Demand Response automatically adjusts the differential set point to increase availability of hot water during large demand periods. www.hotwater.com

Learn More
Milwaukee Valve The Insulator/MS

Milwaukee Valve Company, LLC
INSULATOR/MS® from Milwaukee Valve is the only insulating ball valve handle that does it all – controls condensation, has reliable memory stop, and saves time since there’s no need to disassemble for adjustments.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Helm Group, Inc. Streamlines Work, Wins Jobs with Autodesk’s BIM 360

Helm Group, Inc. (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) combines leading technology like BIM 360 within Autodesk Construction CloudTM with Lean construction principles to implement new design, engineering, and construction methods. For example, by fabricating multitrade skids in an offsite fabrication shop, Helm Group increases collaboration and drives efficiencies to deliver highly complex projects while achieving certainty in cost, schedule, and quality. BIM 360 enables the coordination and data sharing that allows the fabrication to be so accurate that, once it arrives onsite, all that is necessary is to lift it into place and install it.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s WebLEM+Plus

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s WebLEM+Plus, a systematic approach to labor estimating that’s proven successful for hundreds of mechanical contractors in generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual construction.

In using WebLEM+Plus, piping systems can be estimated using two different methods—the traditional Component Method or the more recent buildout of the Work Activity Method, which includes over 138,850 labor hour values allowing you to easily identify shop and field labor separately.

MCAA’s WebLEM+Plus allows MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council members and drawing content providers to attach their drawing content, technical data, pictures of each product, item weight, and other item information to each labor unit.

A unique data identifier is available to download as the central data key that connects all the software systems you use, helping all industry partners work together better.

LEARN MORE

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Nick Nikpourfard.

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Loosening of CDC’s Face Covering Recommendations Do Not Alter Employer Compliance Obligations

The CDC recently changed its COVID-19 recommendations regarding the use of face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals. Under the new guidance, fully vaccinated individuals, in most cases, no longer need to wear face coverings indoors or out, or practice social distancing. However, the loosening of the recommendations does not change affected employers’ compliance obligations. Masks and distancing are still mandatory “where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Employers should be aware that OSHA recently implemented a special emphasis program to enforce worker COVID-19 protections.

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IAPMO & SPL Offer ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist Certification Training

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), in conjunction with Special Pathogens Laboratory (SPL), will offer an interactive ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist Certification Training. Three dates are available: June 7-9, August 23-25, and October 18-20.

SPL President Janet Stout, Ph.D., an infectious disease mircrobiologist with more than 30 years of pioneering research in Legionella, will teach the three-day course. The speakers will include David Pierre, vice president of SPL Consulting Services, and Michael Castro, MPH, SPL’s director of Healthcare Services.

Attendees will gain the requisite knowledge, understanding, and competency to serve as a member of a facilities water safety team to help protect against Legionella outbreaks and react to one appropriately should it occur. The program will focus on the development of a risk assessment analysis, and water management and sampling plan, for protection from Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. The training will also cover the codes, and the resources, understanding, and skills needed to conduct a facility risk assessment and implement a water safety and management program to reduce the risk of infections due to Legionella.

The ASSE 12080 certification exam will be administered at the end. Attendees who pass the exam will become certified as Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialists.

The registration fee includes the ASSE exam and the SPL workbook Puzzled by Legionella? A Guide to Understanding Detection, Prevention, and Water Management.

For information about the ASSE 12080 standard, visit https://bit.ly/31dzNoQ.

REGISTER

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID is #1 in pressing for a reason. In this training we walk through the RP 350 and RP 342-XL. We talk about all the applications and uses to ensure you get the most out of these tools.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

MSCA & You Supporting Convoy of Hope

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of more than $550,000 in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.

This year, we will support the Phoenix Rescue Mission, and we need your help.

TOGETHER, we can:

  • Raise $50,000 to deliver a tractor trailer full of needed supplies to the Mission
  • Support volunteers that will perform much needed tasks and activities at the Mission
  • Enjoy each other’s company while we pack thousands of hygiene kits to help the needy

Check out our 2019 project and packing party, then join us in supporting the Phoenix Rescue Mission. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but we can get there TOGETHER.

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What to Consider Before Requiring Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

In most states employers may legally require their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, provided that they make reasonable accommodations for medical or religious objections. However, doing so could result in negative consequences, so there are several items your company should consider before deciding whether to require their workers to get vaccinated.

  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the results of the adverse reaction meet the criteria for an OSHA recordable injury (medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, etc.), OSHA considers the case to be “work-related.” Employers are required to treat the case as a “recordable illness;”
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, in some states the case could result in a worker’s compensation claim. Be sure to check with your worker’s compensation carrier before you proceed;
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the case is not covered by worker’s compensation the employer may be subject to a lawsuit;
  • Some states may prohibit employers from mandating the vaccines; and
  • Mandating vaccines may violate local collective bargaining agreements.

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and Lochinvar, LLC in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Our branch-style distribution units are a part of our new Smith Fluid Controls ™ line. You can simply and effectively prime up to four floor drain traps with one trap primer. The branches are flexible for ease of connection and are engineered so that water leaving the trap primer is divided evenly between branches. And of course, a variety of connection types are available.

Learn More

Lochinvar, LLC
Developed for new construction and retrofit projects, our 20-model commercial heat pump water heater product line helps customers meet energy-savings and sustainability goals.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Endless Opportunities of Mechanical Contracting

As we wrap up our Beyond the Classroom series, we wanted to highlight the endless opportunities the mechanical contracting industry has to offer. Scott Hinton, Vice President of Harrell-Fish, Inc. and a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee and MCAA’s Board of Directors, describes the unique nature of mechanical contracting saying, “People do not seem to get stuck in roles. They get more opportunity to advance and continue advancing throughout their careers.”

A part of advancing within this industry is in surrounding yourself with other professionals. Scott credits MCAA for helping him establish relationships with contractors across the country. These are people he can call with questions, share information and ideas with, and lean on for support. They’re the same type of people, who look forward to welcoming you into this industry and helping you grow.

Take advantage of all MCAA offerings, whether in-person or virtual. Sit next to a contractor at the next in-person MCAA event you attend or send a question directly to a contractor during the next virtual presentation you watch. In short: reach out and get involved! 

Scott, and other MCAA members are ready to help introduce you to the endless opportunities within the industry!

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Electric Arc Welding Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s electric arc welding safety training video and its materials. The video will teach your workers to work safely while either performing or working near electric arc welding.

Your workers will learn how to protect themselves from:

  • Serious burns
  • Severe eye damage
  • Respiratory and other health problems
  • Fire
  • Electrical shock

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video |  Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

You Might Also Like These Resources

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Aquatherm Outlines Steps to Success With Butt Fusing Polypropylene Piping

A properly performed butt fusion on polypropylene piping is a wonder of the modern world: two pieces of pipe (or a pipe and fitting) become one solid piece. The joint is as strong—if not stronger—than the pipe itself. There are no leak paths, and, when properly performed, the fused joint will remain leak-free throughout its 50-year-plus year lifespan.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS